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Advocates Philippines
Cayetano Clarifies: No Authorized Senate Hearing On June 8
Photo credit: SENATE PH
Senator Allan Peter Cayetano has clarified that the hearing reportedly scheduled for June 8 involving the 18 supposed former marines was not authorized by his office or by the officials leading the Senate blue ribbon committee.
In a letter addressed to Atty. Levi Baligod and the 18 self-confesssed bagmen, Cayetano first expressed appreciation for their appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last June 4, acknowledging the courage and personal sacrifices they made in sharing their testimonies.
However, he emphasized that any hearing set for June 8 did not receive authorization from his office, from Sen. Pia Cayetano as committee chairperson, or from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who heads the subcommittee.
The Senate leader reminded the group that official invitations and notices for hearings can only come from the offices of Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Marcoleta, or the committee secretariat acting under their authority.
Cayetano also urged the group to carefully verify any invitations, directives, or communications they receive, particularly amid reports of possible arrest threats and the involvement of various government agencies related to their testimonies.
According to the letter, hearings conducted without proper authorization may not be able to guarantee the same level of protection and procedural safeguards normally provided to witnesses during official Senate proceedings.
He further stressed that no witness should be subjected to intimidation or harassment and that efforts to uncover the truth must always be carried out through a fair, orderly, and lawful process.
The clarification comes as questions continue to surround the status of the reported June 8 hearing, with the Senate leadership emphasizing the importance of due process, witness protection, and adherence to established procedures in conducting legislative inquiries.
In a letter addressed to Atty. Levi Baligod and the 18 self-confesssed bagmen, Cayetano first expressed appreciation for their appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last June 4, acknowledging the courage and personal sacrifices they made in sharing their testimonies.
However, he emphasized that any hearing set for June 8 did not receive authorization from his office, from Sen. Pia Cayetano as committee chairperson, or from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who heads the subcommittee.
The Senate leader reminded the group that official invitations and notices for hearings can only come from the offices of Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Marcoleta, or the committee secretariat acting under their authority.
Cayetano also urged the group to carefully verify any invitations, directives, or communications they receive, particularly amid reports of possible arrest threats and the involvement of various government agencies related to their testimonies.
According to the letter, hearings conducted without proper authorization may not be able to guarantee the same level of protection and procedural safeguards normally provided to witnesses during official Senate proceedings.
He further stressed that no witness should be subjected to intimidation or harassment and that efforts to uncover the truth must always be carried out through a fair, orderly, and lawful process.
The clarification comes as questions continue to surround the status of the reported June 8 hearing, with the Senate leadership emphasizing the importance of due process, witness protection, and adherence to established procedures in conducting legislative inquiries.
Jun 7, 2026
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